The Pirates (87 – 63) look to bounce back after yesterdays one-hitter against the Padres (69 – 80). Jeff Locke (10 – 5, 3.14 ERA) will take on Eric Stults (8 – 13, 4.03 ERA).
Leading Off
Starling Marte is starting in left field and batting first. It’s the first time since Marte has gone on the DL that he’s started.
“We’re a much more dynamic team with him in left field,” Hurdle said.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On if there’s a competition for playoff roster spots — “There might be a spot in some of those players minds out there where they are wondering, but again, what I think is at the foremost of their thinking is what they can do tonight to help us win the game. I’m sure of that. I’ve been a player on the outside looking in early in my career where I knew there was a good chance I wouldn’t be involved and then there was times when I knew I was in a more meaningful role where I was going to have a spot, but that wasn’t what it was about. It was about finishing strong, doing what the game asks you to do, meeting the demands of the game.”
On if he likes the extra wild card — “I’m for what’s good for the game and I think when you piggyback that with what’s good for cities and fans and for the game of baseball, I think this is a similar situation than when they initially came out with the first wild card, there was a lot of discontent in a lot of areas, but that turned out to play extremely well with the number of teams that have won the world series by getting in as a wild card and now the added value it brings to certain cities, fan bases to stay engaged longer. I think it’s been good for the game. I think it is good for the game, so I’m good with it.”
On checking off another item on the franchise list of securing a winning record in the NL Central — “Yeah we did. I got that list in my drawer and I’ve been able to cross off a few things with Neal and some of the coaches, more so this year than any other year, but it’s been a work in progress and we continue to find our way to do some things we need to do as an organization, as a ball team to improve and be good and not just be good once , but to sustain the level of play, so from that aspect, when you map some things out and you’re able to cross some off, yes. As I said, we’re pleased with the number of things we’ve been able to do, but we’re not satisfied as of yet.”
Other Notes
— With last night’s loss and the Nationals come-from-behind win this afternoon, the Pirates playoff magic number remains at 6. It can be cut to 4 by the end of the night if the Nationals lose game two of their doubleheader with the Braves and the Pirates defeat the Padres.
— Tonight’s starter, Jeff Locke has allowed a total of three earned runs in 12 innings over his last two starts after going 1 – 2 with a 6.18 ERA (39 1/3 IN, 27 ER) in his first eight starting assignments following the All-Star break.
— The Pirates will wear their Sunday throwback 1971 uniforms tonight in honor of Roberto Clemente Day.
First pitch is set for 7:05
(Photo Credit: USATSI)
